Car hire Arnhem

Introduction

Arnhem is the capital of the province of Gelderland. During the Second World War, the center of the city was destroyed in the Battle of Arnhem, which was in fact a battle for the Rhine bridge. At that bridge (now: John Frost bridge) the Battle of Arnhem is commemorated every year. After the war, the center was rebuilt, which has given it a modern feel. Outside the city center, Arnhem has spacious neighborhoods with lots of green. There are also many beautiful parks.

Population

The city has almost 150,000 inhabitants. In the second half of the 19th century, the city became popular among wealthy citizens and people who returned from Dutch Indonesia. At the time, the city and its inhabitants had an elitist image, which has always stuck with the people of Arnhem.

Location

Arnhem is located in the east of the Netherlands on the river Nederrijn, not far from the German border. To the east of the city is the river Rhine, and in the north Arnhem borders on the Veluwe region. Nijmegen is the nearest other large city (20 kilometers). Arnhem is situated at 65 kilometers from Utrecht, 85 kilometers from Eindhoven, 100 kilometers from Amsterdam and 120 kilometers from Rotterdam. To the south-west of Arnhem lies the Betuwe region, the center of the Dutch fruit cultivation.

Economy

As a provincial capital, the government plays an important part in the economy of Arnhem. In addition, the energy sector is important: two large energy companies have their headquarters there and also the Dutch certification agency KEMA is located in the city. In addition, there are a few financial institutions, such as insurance bank OHRA and the regional offices of the Postbank. Also, there is a large chemical company, AKZO Nobel.

Tourist attractions are the Open Air Museum (with reconstructed historical houses and farms), safari park Burgers' Zoo and the National Park 'De Hoge Veluwe'.

Airports

The nearest airport is just across the German border, the former military airfield Laarbrucht, which has been renamed Airport Weeze. It is used only by low cost carriers with direct flights to, among other places, London, Barcelona and Rome. Airport Weeze is located at 70 kilometers from Arnhem.

Public transport

Arnhem has a trolley bus network that is unique in the Netherlands. The buses are connected to an overhead electrical cable. There are plans to replace the trolleys eventually by hydrogen-fuelled buses. In addition to the trolley buses, there are also regular city and regional buses in the city. The central bus station is located at the Stationsplein, near the railway station. There are direct train connections with Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.

Traffic and Parking

Arnhem has fairly broad lanes and streets, which makes it an easy place to drive. Some roads may wind in strange ways, which will test your orientation. Also, some roads, especially in the city center, are one way only.

In and around the center there are six car parks that are indicated through signs with the text 'Centrumring+P'. You can also park your rental car in the street, but it may be difficult to find a parking space, especially on Saturdays, the monthly shopping Sundays and shopping evenings on Thursdays. At parking meters, you do not have to pay on Sundays (except on shopping Sundays). It is cheaper to park near Gelredome Stadium in Arnhem-Zuid. There are regular buses from the transferium to the city center.

Hotels

The city has a reasonable supply of hotels, from budget to 4 star hotels. Near Arnhem, the hotels are often situated in beautiful green surroundings. If you want to stay at a particular hotel, it is wise to book in advance.

External Sources

For more information about Arnhem, we recommend Google, and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Arnhem
• VVV Arnhem
• Municipality of Arnhem